Establishing a Regional Recreation Asset

The Town of Valdese (pop. 4,490) is located in western North Carolina, nestled among some of the state’s premier outdoor recreation opportunities.  

The master plan will guide the development of the new 302-acre park, which boasts approximately 1,500 feet of shoreline along the lake, making it a prime opportunity to develop a regional recreation asset.  This planning document helped secure more than $1 million in grant support from organizations including the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and NC Water Resources.

This facility will enhance the Town’s quality of life, capitalize on surrounding natural assets, and further Western North Carolina’s reputation as a premier outdoor recreation.

Read the Plan

Investing in Quality of Life Infrastructure 

Like many other communities in the western North Carolina foothills, Valdese is working diligently to diversify and reimagine its economy by improving quality of life to retain and attract young families. For this reason, town leaders have made parks, trails, and other quality of life infrastructure a major priority.

Public  Engagement

Designing a Regional Park

The final Lakeside Park Master Plan protects water quality yet provides for a wide offering of recreational uses. Once fully developed, this destination-quality park will serve all ages, meeting local recreation needs while also attracting a projected 20,000 visitors each year.  

Key facilities include hiking and mountain biking trail loops, a bi-level natural playground, dog park, pump track, and disc golf course.  A modest, but elegant entrance will welcome park users. The park sign will feature rock elements as requested by local citizens and project stakeholders.